If you currently wear or need to start wearing corrective lenses, there are many different factors you must consider when choosing the perfect pair. One of the factors you'll want to think about is available tints and shading options for your new glasses. Not only can tints change the look of your prescription glasses, but they can also have an effect on the optical properties of your lenses.

There are eyeglass tints that permeate the actual lens material, and others that are merely absorbed into the surface of the lens. Other tints are applied to the eyeglass lens as a coating material, while yet others serve as a type of laminate to the surface of the lens. The type of tint or shading that will be best for you depends on your particular vision needs and the type of material that your lenses are made from. Below is an overview of different types of tints currently available for corrective eyeglass lenses.

Fashion Tints

There is a huge variety of colors or shades that prescription glasses can be tinted in, so long as they are made of optical plastic. Fashion tints provide variety and create special looks for both men and women by accenting, complementing or bringing out their eye color. Fashion tints can also help to lessen any glare.

Computer Tints

Even heavy computer use does not cause any significant eye damage. Still, many computer users experience eyestrain, blurred vision or headaches. A computer tint with anti-reflective coating, colored tint and UV filter can help by reducing computer screen glare, adding contrast, and providing greater comfort while using the computer.

Sun Tints

Sunglasses are not only for looking cool - they actually protect your eyes by reducing the effect of UV rays and filtering excessive light. Sun tints for your prescription glasses should filter 100% of ultraviolet rays.

Transitions

Transitions lenses refer to the type of plastic corrective lenses that darken when they are exposed to sunlight and lighten back up when exposure to sunlight is removed. Transitions lenses can actually get as dark as sunglasses and as light as perfectly clear lenses, making them truly versatile and convenient.

Shades of Tints

Tints, whether they are for fashion purposes or to protect light-sensitive eyes, are available in a wide array of colors. Below is an overview of the different colors available in tints for corrective lenses.

- Blue

Blue allows 70% of visible light to be transmitted through the lens inside and 30% of visible light is transmitted outside.

- Brown

This color tint is considered an excellent choice for view enhancement. Brown makes a great tint for sunglasses and is versatile enough to be great for driving and computer use.

- G-15

G-15 is a tint composed of green and gray. The result is an excellent sunglasses tint that reduces glare and lessens eyestrain in very bright sunlight.

- Gradient Tints

Gradient tints help to reduce glare and lessen the effect of bright sunlight while the clear bottom portion of the lens still allows for easy reading.

- Gray

This tint color is great for sunglasses as it is very effective in dulling bright light. A gray tint on your corrective lenses will also reduce glare, and comes in a variety of intensities.

Trust the Professionals

When considering all the different tint and shading options for glasses, remember that your eye doctor's opinion counts. Make sure to consult with an eye care professional about your particular vision needs and lifestyle. An eye doctor will be able to make a recommendation about an eyeglass tint that is best for you.